QMAS extension: 36 months, 3+2 years, five years for Top Talent

As of 7 October 2026, the stay periods for those approved under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) differ by assessment mechanism: those admitted under the General Points Test (GPT) are generally granted an initial stay of 36 months on first entry, while those admitted under the Achievement-based Points Test (APT) are generally granted an initial stay of eight years. Applicants under the GPT who apply for an extension when the 36 months expire are generally granted stay on a “3 + 2” year basis; those meeting the Top Talent category are generally granted a five-year extension.

Initial limit of stay: General Points Test and Achievement-based Points Test

Those admitted to Hong Kong under the GPT are generally granted an initial stay of 36 months on first entry, subject to no other conditions of stay.

Those admitted under the APT are generally granted an initial stay of eight years on first entry, likewise subject to no other conditions of stay.

The two assessment mechanisms are chosen at the application stage. Each applicant may submit only one application at a time and may be assessed under only one mechanism, so the initial limit of stay after approval follows the chosen mechanism. For details of the assessment criteria and the current eligibility threshold (meeting 6 of the 12 assessment criteria), see the QMAS assessment mechanism, or use our QMAS criteria self-check to verify how many criteria you meet; our QMAS dedicated page also summarises the relevant routes.

What must be proved when the 36 months expire for an extension

To be granted an extension of stay when the 36-month limit of stay expires, a GPT admittee must provide documentary evidence satisfactory to the Immigration Department showing that steps have been taken to settle in Hong Kong and that they are residing in Hong Kong.

Common evidence showing settlement in Hong Kong includes being employed in a salaried position or having established a business in Hong Kong.

On further extension, the applicant must show they have settled in Hong Kong and made contributions to Hong Kong.

Those admitted to Hong Kong under the QMAS may freely take up and change employment during the permitted stay without prior approval from the Immigration Department. The scheme itself does not require an applicant to have secured a local employer before being admitted to settle in Hong Kong.

Length-of-stay patterns for extensions

If an extension-of-stay application by a GPT admittee is approved, it is generally granted on a “3 + 2” year basis, subject to no other conditions of stay.

APT admittees who need an extension of stay must prove they can independently support the living and accommodation expenses of themselves and their dependants (if any) during their stay in Hong Kong. Their initial entry is generally granted a stay of eight years, and the extension arrangement is based on the same ability to be self-supporting.

Top Talent category: two years plus assessable income of HK$2 million

A person admitted under the GPT for no less than two years who had assessable incomes under salaries tax of HK$2 million or above in the preceding year of assessment will generally be granted a five-year extension of stay, subject to no other conditions of stay.

Those meeting the above conditions may apply for an extension of stay to be assessed under the Top Talent category even if their three-year limit of stay has not yet expired.

Successful applicants are generally granted a five-year extension of stay; the newly granted five-year limit of stay is reckoned from the original limit of stay.

Documents to be uploaded for an extension

An extension application must include the upload of the travel document and Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID), together with the relevant supporting documents listed in paragraphs 72 to 77 of the Guidance Notes [ID(C) 982].

Employed persons may also submit the following documents:

• employment contract;
• latest payslip;
• bank statement;
• employer’s job description.

Those who have established a business in Hong Kong must submit:

• business registration certificate;
• company incorporation documents;
• audited financial statements;
• office lease;
• latest company staff list with proof of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions;
• proof of the applicant’s actual investment amount in the company;
• future business expansion plan.

An extension application should be made as early as possible within three months before the limit of stay expires, and in all cases submitted at least six weeks before the limit of stay expires. After receiving all required documents and the relevant application fee, the Immigration Department can generally complete processing within about two to three weeks. During the wait for a result (except in special circumstances), the applicant must leave Hong Kong before the limit of stay expires.

Seven years of ordinary residence and right of abode

A person admitted to Hong Kong under the QMAS who has been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong continuously for not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the law.

A dependant’s limit of stay is generally tied to that of their sponsor. A dependant may apply to extend the limit of stay within three months before its expiry, provided the applicant still meets the eligibility to reside in Hong Kong as a dependant and the sponsor remains a Hong Kong resident who genuinely resides in Hong Kong.

Non-permanent residents (including QMAS entrants and their dependants) do not need a re-entry visa to return to Hong Kong, but must return within a valid permitted limit of stay and without any change in their Hong Kong resident status. For the specific assessment of the seven-year clock and ordinary residence, see our seven-year permanent residency and ordinary residence and seven-year residency test tool; for more visa and status routes, see the routes overview.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a QMAS extension generally granted for?

Generally granted on a “3 + 2” year basis. Those meeting the Top Talent category (admitted for no less than two years, with assessable income under salaries tax of HK$2 million or above in the preceding year of assessment) are generally granted a five-year extension.

Must one be employed in Hong Kong for a QMAS extension?

Employment is not mandatory. An applicant may show they are employed in a salaried position or have established a business in Hong Kong; either demonstrates that steps have been taken to settle in Hong Kong and to reside there.

How is an Achievement-based Points Test extension obtained?

APT admittees who need an extension of stay must prove they can independently support the living and accommodation expenses of themselves and their dependants (if any) during their stay in Hong Kong. Their initial entry is generally granted a stay of eight years.

When should a QMAS extension application be made?

It should be made within three months before the limit of stay expires and submitted at least six weeks before expiry. After the Immigration Department receives all documents and the application fee, processing is generally completed within about two to three weeks.

Official sources

• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme – Immigration Department
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: assessment mechanism – Immigration Department
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme frequently asked questions – Immigration Department
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Guidance Notes ID(C)982 – Immigration Department

This article is a compilation of policy information and does not constitute legal advice; policies are subject to the latest announcements of official departments such as the Immigration Department.